Taste of Peoria serves up near records, variety of dishes

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

by Jodi Lemkemann, Keller Williams Premier Realty

Forty-two food stands featuring 14 new or returning vendors were at the 29th annual Taste of Peoria on Wednesday on the Peoria riverfront.

It was the strongest showing in at least five years for the annual eat-a-thon that features everything from chocolate-covered strawberries to pig wings.

Becky Cassidy, chairwoman for the event, said the number of vendors is inching closer to a record for the event, which is slightly more than 50. Only 26 were at the 2008 event.

It was the strongest showing for the Taste since it moved from the streets of Downtown Peoria near the Civic Center to the riverfront in 2006.

"Things are picking up," Cassidy said.

Approximately 25,000 people were expected to show up for this year's event, another five-year high. Crowds near the Civic Center were once around 30,000, Cassidy said.

The Taste also featured some samplings from new Peoria eateries such as Cracked Pepper Catering & Bakery and Hy-Vee and also from restaurants that are yet to open. Famous Dave's Barbecue, opening next month near The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, was serving up ribs and chopped pork sandwiches.

Taste of Peoria is sponsored by the Peoria Area Community Events (PACE). It's the organization's biggest annual fundraiser for the Santa Claus Parade, which occurs the day after Thanksgiving.

Taste of Peoria

2010 Winners

- Showmanship (Best Decorated Booth)

1st: Centerplate

- Best Appetizer

1st: Butcher Block, Steak Kabobs

2nd: Gracie's, Pig Wings

3rd: Alexander's Steakhouse, Teriyaki Mini Kabob

- Best Casual Entree

1st: Cracked Pepper Catering, Chipotle BBQ Brisket Panini

2nd: Papa Murphy's, Pepperoni Pizza

3rd: Carnegie's 501, El Cubano Cuban Sandwich